I've had a few emails from members. They've taken both sides. I've replied ARRL can not get involved in political or international disputes.

Rick - K5UR

-----Original Message-----
From: James F. Boehner, MD via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>
To: arrl-odv@arrl.org
Sent: Sat, Mar 5, 2022 4:24 pm
Subject: [arrl-odv:33474] FW: ARRL Stance on Russian invasion of Ukraine

I awoke to a tweet today from the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) regarding their stance on the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine:

RSGB statement: the Russian Federation and Belarus - Radio Society of Great Britain - Main Site : Radio Society of Great Britain – Main Site

We will no doubt be asked about our stance on the matter, and I think we need to be proactive when we are called upon as to our position.

I should say first that although my name is German, I am directly of Ukrainian decent, having maternal grandparents who emigrated to the US in 1912.

RSGB has taken the “me too” approach, imposing their form of sanctions against Russia. It is an easy and safe approach, as they are following the lead of the rest of the world.

Although this may be a very unpopular position to take, I am personally opposed to the RSGB’s decision. From watching the news reports, this invasion was initiated by the Russian leadership, not by its people. This appears to be a very unpopular war among many Russian citizens. Although probable hyperbole, it is said that every Russian has a relative in Ukraine. All are suffering in different ways. From seeing the demonstrations in Russia, protestors are coming out in droves, at enormous personal peril, as freedom of speech as we know it does not exist there. The necessary sanctions that have been imposed and are yet to be imposed on the Russian Federation will affect the people more harshly than the leadership, although they will take their hit as well.

Amateur Radio is different. We are international ambassadors of good will. Our very basis of purpose in Part 97 includes the following: (e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international goodwill. During the cold war, amateur radio was one of the few channels of communication that those under Eastern Bloc rule had with the Western world.

It is reasonable to condemn the actions of the Russian Federation’s leadership, but not to hold our brethren responsible for the actions of their leaders; to do so would threaten our status as international ambassadors and would directly go against our basis and purpose of the Amateur Radio Service in the United States. We should stand apart from the RSGB on this matter.

Opinions may differ, but there is no doubt that we will have our position questioned, particularly after the RSGB statement. We need to have this conversation and be ready to respond.

‘73 de Jim N2ZZ

Director – Roanoke Division

Representing ARRL members in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia

ARRL – the national association for Amateur Radio

Facebook Page: ARRL Roanoke Division

Website: www.arrl-roanoke.org

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